SOP & Guidelines

An invention is potentially patentable if it is novel, non-obvious, and useful. This includes new processes, machines, manufactured items, compositions of matter, or improvements thereof. Software, algorithms, and biological materials may also qualify. If you are unsure, contact the TTO for a preliminary evaluation before investing time in a formal disclosure.

Maintain a dated laboratory notebook or electronic equivalent documenting your invention's conception and development. Record the date of conception, the problem you were solving, your technical approach, experimental results, and the names of all contributors. This documentation is critical evidence in establishing inventorship and priority.

Submit your Invention Disclosure Form to the TTO at least 6 weeks before any public disclosure. Public disclosure includes journal articles, conference presentations (oral or poster), patent applications, grant applications, or even informal presentations to third parties. Filing the disclosure form does not commit the university to filing a patent — it begins the evaluation process.

After submission you will receive a unique Disclosure ID (DISC-YYYY-NNNN). A TTO Officer will contact you within 5 business days to begin the Ownership Determination and Patentability Evaluation. You will be asked to review the assessment and provide input on prior art, commercial applications, and potential industry contacts.

Licensing is typically faster to revenue and lower risk — a third party commercializes the technology and pays royalties to NSU and the inventors. Forming a startup is appropriate when no suitable licensee exists, when the inventor wants to maintain more control, or when the market opportunity is very large but requires significant development before industry adoption. The TTO can help you evaluate both paths.

All industry contacts regarding NSU technology should be coordinated through the TTO. Do not enter into informal agreements, share confidential technical details, or accept compensation from companies interested in your technology without first involving the TTO. This protects your legal interests and ensures the university's IP rights are preserved.

Before sharing detailed technical information with any external party, a Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA/NDA) must be in place. The TTO can prepare and execute a CDA within 3–5 business days of receiving the request. Do not share materials with external parties without a signed CDA.